Nassau, Bahamas – The Miami Dolphins, Dan Marino and 14 alumni members held a memorable four-day weekend in The Islands of The Bahamas. Guests were treated to breathtaking views of The Islands while mingling with some of their football heroes, including Dick Anderson, Keith Byars, Mark Clayton, Troy Drayton, Mark Duper, Jim Jensen, Sam Madison, O.J. McDuffie, Nat Moore, Louis Oliver, Joe Rose, Dwight Stephenson, Pat Surtain and Shawn Wooden.
The second annual event included fan packages for a welcome party, golf tournament with football legends, a sunset cruise, Dolphins Academy Youth Football and Cheerleader Clinic, and an inaugural flag football matchup between the Miami Dolphins alumni and The Bahamas All Star team.
The Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders greeted the arriving guests to the tropical island, followed by the Dolphins Welcome Reception. Guests were given Dolphins goodie bags stocked full of team gear, while the atmosphere was complimented by a Bahamian steel drum band.
The golf tournament took place on a crisp morning perfect for the greens. Each golf foursome included the exclusive opportunity to play with a Miami Dolphins Legend. Later that evening, guests gathered for a sunset dinner cruise on board the Yellowbird, and were ushered in by a live Junkanoo band. The Bahamian themed evening, which was sponsored by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, included authentic Bahamian cuisine, fire dancing and Carnival girls.
More than 350 Bahamian children gathered at Thomas A. Robinson Stadium on Saturday morning to learn footballs skills and drills from the Legends. Twelve stations, branded with Dolphins marks iconic of the team’s home at Sun Life Stadium, were set up on the field to teach the fundamentals of the game to the children. Meanwhile, a dozen girls learned dance moves and chants from the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, an added component to last year’s activities.
“There are a lot of very athletic kids and you could tell that they are excited about being out here and being part of it,” Marino said at the event. “There were a lot of Dolphins fans there; we love that. You could tell some kids had a lot of talent for sure.”
“The children that were out this morning – 360 of them – could you imagine a dream coming true?” The Islands of the Bahamas Minister of Tourism, The Honorable Obediah Wilchcombe, M.P. said. “Could you imagine they now have skills for tomorrow. They can think of the possibilities that they can play football. Some caught a pass from Dan Marino, one of the greatest ever. I’m sure that will inspire them to think about their lives and what they’re going to do in the future. Some will have athletic careers, but many will now focus on their academics and recognize those facts that if they work harder, opportunities are there for them.”
The well-practiced and speedy Bahamian team proved to be a tough match for a Hall of Fame quarterback teamed with 14 decorated icons in Dolphins history. “I’m very pleased for one of my guys who got an interception tonight,” said Minister Wilchcombe. “You know what it means to say, ‘I intercepted Dan Marino.’ Never tell them the year, but tell them I intercepted Dan Marino (laughing).”
Following the Legends’ victory, the teams and guests took part in a street party hosted by Minister Wilchcombe and The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.
“The tourism industry is important to The Bahamas, and we are pleased with Dan Marino and the Miami Dolphins being here – it’s going to help us promote The Bahamas. Linking our brand with their brand is fantastic,” Minister Wilchcombe said.
About the Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins, owned by Chair of the Board & Managing General Partner Stephen M. Ross, play in the AFC Eastern Division of the National Football League. The organization has played in five Super Bowls, winning championships following the 1972 (VII) and 1973 (VIII) seasons. The franchise also has won five conference championships and 13 division championships. It is the oldest continuous major-league professional sports franchise in the state of Florida. For more information, visit the organization’s website at dolphins.com.
About The Islands Of The Bahamas
The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone from Nassau and Paradise Island to Grand Bahama to The Abaco Islands, The Exuma Islands, Harbour Island, Long Island and others. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles with some of the world’s best scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers with preclearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar at par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It’s Better in The Bahamas. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
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